Q1. What makes Integration Professionals distinctive?

Execution. Ability to lead a team through execution. Many of the top consultants work with executives providing high quality strategy formulation and visioning, that is, the big ideas. Inprof comes in where they leave off. We work alongside clients throughout the course of the project breaking down the big ideas into agreed objectives and actionable resourced plans. We ensure successful plan execution and facilitate effective decision-making as unexpected challenges arise.

Yes. During the initiation process we will work with the client to understand any existing measurement frameworks and make recommendations on appropriate project metrics which we will track and report on a regular basis. Typical frameworks are Dashboard, Earned Value, and Balanced Scorecard. For example, metrics can include:

Integration Professionals uses proven risk management techniques to reduce uncertainty. An Inprof Project Manager improves an organization's likelihood of getting things done according to their planned schedule and budget by tailoring risk management planning techniques according to the needs of the project.

Project Management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet the project requirements. Project management is accomplished through the appropriate application and integration of project management processes. Managing a project typically includes:

Identifying requirements,

Address the various needs, concerns, and expectations of the stakeholders as the project is planned and carried out, and;

Depending on your organization’s circumstances, that may be the right decision. We generally believe a Project Office is an excellent investment. Some companies find it difficult to recruit, train, hire and retain good project managers. Therefore they prefer to bring in external experts like Inprof on an "as needed" basis, who are highly skilled and ready to hit the ground running.

Inprof can augment internal project management groups when there are too many projects for the team to handle, there is a staff vacancy, or in-house personnel lack specific project experience. Clients have reported they've improved their own project skills by working with professionals who offer best practices gleaned from a variety of projects and organizations.

Yes, if staff have project management skills and are tasked solely with guiding the project. An effective Project Manager focuses on project process, developing detailed plans, and coordinating activities and communications. Project managers must be as unaffected as possible from internal political pressures in order to act effectively among multiple stakeholders and teams.

Inprof builds detailed project roadmaps, coordinates activities and communications, and ensures that carefully made plans are carried out by all players. Inprof Project Managers do not make decisions; rather, they facilitate decision-making practices as an objective third party, and then ensure the project stays on track via both technical and interpersonal skills.

Inprof does not endorse specific project management software packages, but uses tools that fit the size and culture of our clients' organizations. We've used software such as Microsoft Project, Microsoft Office Suite and enterprise project management systems. We have found that it is best not to "force fit" activities into a certain format or template, but choose the appropriate tool for each individual circumstance.

Inprof suggests that professional project management fees be viewed in relation to the ultimate value of its contribution to the bottom line - such as bringing a new product to market faster; optimizing processes to drive lower costs or improve productivity; or salvaging a strategic business alliance.

Companies use external resources for many reasons. Some don't have in-house expertise or have too many projects for existing staff to handle. Others wish to focus their staff on core competencies instead of on planning, coordination and project execution. Some firms are faced with difficult decisions or turbulent third-party relationships that require help from an objective facilitator. Finally, many companies want to learn project management best practices, to establish a template for continuing success.

Stephen D Wise

Stephen Wise helps companies deepen their competitive advantage by improving their ability to execute important initiatives.